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Sleepin_Dragon
On the radar:
TV Shows,
-The Avengers Series 2,
-Van Der Valk,
-Grandma's House,
-The Saint,
-The Army Game,
-Inspector Alleyn Mysteries,
-Last of The Summer wine.
Movies,
-Frenzy,
-Aviator,
-Ray,
-The Man who knew too much,
-12 Years a Slave.
I am truly looking forward to the follow ups to Dune and The Meg, as well as the return of Dr Who.
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Lists
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Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal: Live in Truth (2024)
This was so watchable.
This time, the hackers target the actual CEO, the future of the company and multiple marriages hangs in the balance.
She never stayed with him!!!!!! No way.
The kind of thing to watch as you're having your tea and toast, gossipy, trashy, but bizarrely addictive, the questions I had, what was the fallout, who was it, and would that beautiful spirit stay with a sanctimonious cheat?
The disappointment, I didn't get an answer to the main question, was it just never discovered?
The wife of poor John, she was absolutely spot on in her analysis, what an incredible lady.
So, who's the biggest hypocrite here, I know who my money's on, I can cope with people that want to have fun, want to live their lives the way they want to, but the sheer hypocrisy and indignation about being challenged, that's what's deplorable.
Did you know that Ashley Madison is still going....... Tell me we weren't all thinking the same thing.
Enjoyable fluff.
8/10.
Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal: We Got Hacked! (2024)
Moral outrage and crocodile tears.
Those at the top of Ashley Madison bring in outside help, but the hackers hold true to their word. The fallout of the release has tragic consequences.
This was fascinating, the hack is interesting, but it's the reactions that are so engrossing, how people dealt with what happened.
Just watch the body language, it's so revealing, you can see the real upset, you can also see the crocodile tears.
I'm totally split here, because part of me wants to laugh at those that live their lives having stolen the moral high ground, yet are up to all sorts, no names of course, but the story about poor John is truly sobering.
I've spoken to God, he's forgiven me, so everything's fine, well that's all good then.
That final comment, was it somewhat tongue in cheek.
The big question, who was it?
Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal: Life's Short, Have an Affair (2024)
Secrecy and discretion.
In the early 2000's, Ashley Madison was launched, a site for married people, to meet up with like minded other married people, looking for sex and more.
I remember this story very well, so interesting, it will open up well I'm sure. It's a little bit slow to start, we get a few glimpses of what's about to come, but this first one meanders a little, I'm looking forward to learning more about the fallout.
The moral outrage of middle America is so amusing, you'd think that people haven't been having affairs for generations, the moral outrage is funny.
Sam made me chuckle, he wasn't out for sex, do me a favour, a good looking guy like him would have gotten a lot of attention, he's n lo fool.
Stephanie, so cool, saying it as it is! She definitely is the boss!!!
7/10.
Benidorm: Episode #4.6 (2011)
Outrageous fun.
Donald has left a note and his clothes on the rocks, it's believed he's committed suicide, Gavin and Kenneth are on hand to help out a desperate Jacqueline. Madge opens her bar, Mateo tries once more with Natalie.
I laughed and laughed, and laughed, hilarious once again, I didn't realise how amazing Series four was, this is a other classic that's full of countless hilarious moments.
Liam wasn't always my favourite character, sometimes he was a bit on the daft side, however, he was more than capable of delivering the goods, and here he certainly does, that scene where he tells his dad he's staying is gorgeous, so moving, until Pauline totally steals the show with her outrageous line, she's fabulous.
You look like Charlton Heston, I spat my wine out, what an amazing line.
Glorious.
9/10.
Donovan (2004)
Well worth seeing.
Retired Forensic officer Joe Donovan is called out of retirement to help out with a crime that has links to the one which forced him out of his job.
Considering it was made back in 2004, 2005, the series holds up incredibly well, when you have the combination of good story, good production values and great acting, you can't really go wrong.
The combination of Tom Conti and Samantha Bond is a real winner, they played off one another particularly well.
I vividly remembered the first two part story, if I'm honest I have no recollection of the second, I'm not even fully sure whether it was transmitted in The UK or not, it seems almost impossible to track down, I will keep trying to get hold of a copy.
It's a shame it only lasted a couple of episodes, it definitely had more to offer, it should have gone on a bit longer.
If you get the chance, check it out, the DVD is still available.
9/10.
Donovan: Episode #1.2 (2004)
Cracking conclusion.
Donovan is questioned by The Police, after speaking to him, they turn their attentions to Seth, who's DNA is found at the crime scene. After taking a friend's advice, Joe visits A Doctor, who gives him a potential diagnosis.
I really enjoyed the first part, I thoroughly enjoyed this conclusion, twists and turns, full of intrigue, with a couple of surprises along the way. Tom Conti shines once again.
It was good to see Indira Varma playing a more substantial role here, she was too anonymous in the first part.
If ever someone shouldn't have a goaty beard, it's Corrigan, it's somewhat distracting, it just doesn't suit him.
There's definitely more than enough here to make me want to seek out the second episode.
9/10.
Maigret: Unscheduled Departure (1960)
Imagine knowing you're about to get murdered.
Xavier Marton goes to Maigret with a bizarre story, he's convinced that his wife Giselle is trying to kill him, by administering rat poison.
One thing is certain, I'm definitely hooked on this series, and whilst I didn't think it was quite as good as the opener, it's still an intriguing and enjoyable mystery.
It's a very good story, even to this day, it's very rare for the investigating Detective to be pre warned about a case of murder, especially one where the victim details their own death to the Detective.
There are a few nice touches of humour, the scene at the lingerie shop was amusing, always good to see a fresh faced detective squirm at the sight of ladies smalls.
Nicely acted, Pamela Brown and Peter Copley were both rather good, why did the latter seem to look old throughout his career, he's only 45 here.
7/10.
Inside No. 9: The Trolley Problem (2024)
They nailed this one.
Therapist Blake comes to the aid of Drew, a man on the edge, a man close to doing something drastic, the pair open up, Blake offers a helping hand to the desperate stranger.
Oh boy, this was so good, I loved the opener of this final series, I think I loved this one even more.
Sensational, dark and twisted, it felt very much like Sleuth at times, with the two guys weighing one another up.
You have to wait to see which one comes away victorious, it sways from one to the other.
Wonderfully imaginative, dark, twisted, everything this show does well, but best of all, the acting, Shearsmith and Pemberton deliver two immaculate performances, I genuinely dread the thought of this show coming to an end, but just imagine future projects.
Phenomenal.
10/10.
Donovan: Donovan (2004)
Very strong start.
A man is found murdered, the name Donovan is scrawled on the wall in blood. The name relates to retired forensic psychologist Joe Donovan, now a successful author, who is called out of retirement to assist The Police.
Donovan is such an interesting character, beautifully played by the wonderful Tom Conti, he's such a big character, he's unwell, he left under a cloud, his family are somewhat distant.
Strong supporting performances, Samantha Bond and Indira Varma both stand out.
It almost defies being made back in 2004, it still looks pretty sharp, it looks fresh, it also feels very fresh too, it hasn't dated.
I had no idea there was a second series, it seems almost impossible to track down.
9/10.
Maigret: Murder in Montmartre (1960)
An absorbing debut.
Beautiful stripper Arlette is distracted at work one evening, the following day, she informs The Police that she's become aware of the plot to murder a Countess, the following day, her dead body is found.
Totally not what I was expecting, I thought I was in for a heavy, long winded affair, in reality, it's a gritty fast paced opener, one which challenges some subjects I was not expecting, drugs and strippers to be exact.
I loved the vibe and feel, it really captures the time, and that seedy underworld I had hoped for. You can almost smell the smoke and wine, it feels so atmospheric. The location filming obviously makes a huge difference, you really notice and feel it.
I was all set to talk about the utter brilliance of Rupert Davies, and it's true, he's perfect, truly bringing the character to life, but my attention was totally taken by April Olrich, who of course played Arlette, sensuous, attractive, striking, perfect.
8/10.
Sea of Souls: That Old Black Magic: Part 2 (2004)
Quality conclusion.
Andrew takes Yemi back to London, where she's keen to check in on her dad, who gives her the name and address of some friends of his, friends that will look after her.
Wow, cracking conclusion to the first series, this really was a great way to round things off. Deliciously dark and unsettling, this features some really bleak scenes, scenes that you simply don't get now.
Fast paced, unsettling and action packed, I'd argue this is the best of the first series stories.
I love the way Andrew is able to park an actual car in London, those were the days.
Very well acted once again, Bill Patterson has fire er been a wonderful actor, he's so good here.
Onwards to series two soon.
9/10.
Sea of Souls: That Old Black Magic: Part 1 (2004)
Dark and unsettling.
Mature student Yemi falls behind when her father falls ill, skipping exams to be at his bedside, her anxiety is further worsened, when her brother Lucas disappears.
I'm surprised by the relatively low score for this first part, rather good I thought. I liked the dark, grizzly flavour of the episode. It feels very different to the previous storylines, I am fascinated by voodoo and black magic, this intrigues me.
It has an unsettling feel, scenes of Yemi's flat being hounded, the bloodied room, excellent.
We have two threads, the father's up and down health, and Lucas's disappearance.
Hard to believe that Rakie Ayola was 36 years of age here, she looks way hunger, cracking showing from her as Yemi.
8/10.
Benidorm: Episode #4.5 (2011)
Awesome.
Madge is desperate to open a business in Benidorm in Mel's name, the opportunity of a bar presents itself. Gavin learns that Troy's father has died, Kenneth takes the opportunity to comfort him, by taking him to a museum.
This is another of those painfully, hilarious episodes, it's a terrific bit of fun. The standout moment is that hilarious scene where Gavin is presented with a naked, hunky man, his reaction was phenomenal, Hugh Sachs steals it.
Mateo as a drag queen, pretty awesome, and what a pair of legs.
Sara Dallin and Karen Woodward did a decent job here, so many shows relied on celebrity performances, think of Ken Dodd appearing in a Doctor Who shocker, however for Benidorm it worked.
Selina Griffiths, what can you say, I think she's just awesome, her Amadeus was actually really good, loved her drunken scenes. I just love her South African episode.
9/10.
The Blackening (2022)
Well worth seeing.
A group of friends reunite for a vacation at a cabin, little knowing that a sadistic killer lays in wait, set to play a series of sadistic and twisted games.
I really enjoyed it, one of the better spoof/comedies in recent years, full of some really funny moments. Plenty of social commentary to listen out for too, raising some very relevant points.
Really refreshing to see an all black cast, and the performances are spot on. It really does poke fun at the slasher genre, especially those from the late 90's and early 2000's.
It gave me shades of Scary Movie, that dark brand of comedy, mixed in with humour, I'm not sure I'd say it's full on spoof, there's a lot in there, but tied in with some really nice comedy.
Sure there's a bit of a mystery to it, you have to consider if the killer is someone new, or simply one of the seven. The horror element is good, and that masked figure is sinister, as is that creepy board game.
7/10.
The Cosby Show: Bad Dreams (1984)
We've all done it.
Cliff and Clair faces a series of sleepless nights, as they're joined by Vanessa, who's having nightmares after sneaking into a horror movie, against her father's wishes.
I wonder how many parents, kids and adults alike can relate to this episode. As a kid, I sneaked in to a viewing of Class of Nuke 'em high, I too bad nightmares, and ended up crashed with my parents, with all manner of vivid, bad dreams.
I know it seems almost ridiculous saying this, but wasn't it good, wholesome comedy, funny, charming, but really well observed, everyday life humour, so funny, beautifully acted by all concerned.
The coffee scene was a lovely moment.
7/10.
Murder, She Wrote: Game, Set, Murder (1995)
A cracking end to series eleven.
Tennis starlet Louise Henderson is all set to play at the open, but her mental health has taken a hit, and her domineering father is applying huge amounts of pressure on her, she turns to Jessica for help.
I think this is a cracking episode, and a really strong series finale, one of the better episodes from this eleventh run. Very well paced, intriguing, and several threads running, it wasn't a flat, straight up murder, lots going on.
The summing up at the end was so Agatha Christie, all of the suspects gathered together, lovely.
I'm my opinion, it's a plot that would work very well as a film even now, it's so fresh, it works very well, and unlike some of the later episodes, it feels quite fresh.
I know it's not her, but at least they've got someone who can hit a tennis ball, it's frustrating when they cast a potential champion, who can't hit a ball properly.
8/10.
The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Wolf to the Slaughter: Part Four (1987)
Very slow, but the mystery is solved.
Mrs Anstey provides a vital clue, one that leads Wexford and Burden to the truth.
Talk about going round the houses, it certainly takes its time to lead us to the eventual explanation. You can tell it's the 1980's, not just the fashions and horrible music, but the eternally long scenes, some of them go on for ages.
Three hours on, and I'm still here, so I've stuck with it, there was enough to keep my attention.
It's a decent enough watch, but my advice is definitely to read the book instead, it's a whole lot more absorbing.
It's a solid, watchable adaptation, but it's too long, too padded out, and that music is shocking.
Can't argue with Baker or Ravenscroft, even in this debut mystery, they make a cracking team, the productions would definitely get better as time went on.
A shame this hasn't had a commercial DVD release, not even in Germany.
6/10.
The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Wolf to the Slaughter: Part Three (1987)
A bit clunky.
Wexford and Burden have their first tangible clue, a gold lighter, inscribed with the name, Anne, they try to discover its origin. Anne's body is still absent, so pinning a murder charge is proving difficult.
It really is a dowdy production, read the book, it's a cracking story, and the cleverness of the mystery does come through, but the horrible music, clunky camera work and less than natural acting make it a somewhat laborious watch.
There are some nice guest performances, Neville Phillips, George Baker and Robert Reynolds all appeared in the same Joan Hickson Miss Marple, At Bertram's Hotel.
Kate Eaton, who played Jan, appears in the final classic Doctor Who adventure, Survival, a small role, but a memorable one, a little wooden here, amusing the way Dora worried that her daughter was moving in with ......a gay woman.
I'll be glad to reach the end, I can't lie.
6/10.
The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Wolf to the Slaughter: Part Two (1987)
Slightly better paced.
Wexford attempts to uncover who Geoff Smith is, and encounters a man named Kirkpatrick. Ruby provides a useful insight into exactly what happened to Anne.
It's so dry, even for a Ruth Rendell mystery, it is very dry and serious, pacing is a little better here in the second episode than the first, but still a little pedestrian.
What exactly is DC Drayton up to, is he Geoff Smith? Some of the pieces of the puzzle have been uncovered.
Some of the production values are shocking, that romantic music that screams out is diabolical.
Carmel McSharry totally steals this episode, Ruby is a hilarious character, talk about full of life and charisma, best known as Alf Garnett's neighbour, Mrs Hollingberry.
Christopher Ellison has also elevated things somewhat, I can't explain why, but why does he have such a villainous face?
7/10.
The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Wolf to the Slaughter: Part One (1987)
It's a decent, if slow start.
DCI Wexford investigates the sudden disappearance of Anne Margolis, who's left behind her dependent brother, Rupert. Why did she go to a party with three thousand pounds in her handbag?
It's a little slow to start, but it's absorbing enough, it's a production that takes me straight back to my childhood, I genuinely love the 80's, it's so comforting.
Considering it's the very first episode, it establishes the two lead characters very well, we learn that Mike is a very strict puritan, short on patience and goodwill, and his boss, a little quieter, but very smart, a good family man.
Rupert is overdone, I like Nicholas Gecks, but this isn't one of his better performances.
There are plenty of familiar faces, good performances from Donald Hewlett and Rentaghost's Hal Dyer.
Always good to see Robert Reynolds, he made some very fine performances around this time, Miss Marple etc, but why did he disappear from acting at such a young age, a very striking guy.
They'd get sharper as time went on, both in terms of visuals and pace. Solid enough though.
6/10.
My Family: Ben Wants to Be a Millionaire (2001)
Ben fancies making a few quid.
Ben is irritated when his old school friend, Andy Banks arrives at the surgery, and insists on inviting him and Susan to dinner. Susan is busy learning russian, Nick is keen to sell his organs on eBay.
Maybe not a classic, but definitely still has some amusing moments, Daniel Hill always played these kind of unpleasant yuppy types so well, think of Only fools and horses.
Amusing to think of Ben investing in the markets, not something I'd have ever thought of him doing, he's too mean.
Mr Henshaw was a fun, character, I adore The Troughton family.
The dinner scene was an amusing moment, Ben's fascination with Ambyr was really funny. Ambyr was definitely an interesting character, beautiful girl, but a little on the wooden side.
7/10.
It's Dark Outside: Speak Ill of the Living (1964)
A very well written mystery.
Rose is put on the spot, when a young woman named Dolores Dacosta confesses to the murder of a man, a crime where a prostitute has already been convicted and hanged.
An excellent piece of writing, a truly thought provoking and well plotted storyline. Staggering to think that when this aired, back in 1964, that hanging was still legal, it wasn't until the following year, 1965, that hanging was stopped.
Clever, well imagined, and definitely one to keep you watching, you'll be asking who, what and why until the very end.
Best episode of the show I've seen so far, William Mervyn, we always excellent as the stoic Mr Rose.
Watch out for a young Nora Batty, if you're eagle eyed, you'll spot her as a prison guard.
8/10.
It's Dark Outside: One Man's Right (1964)
A messy storyline.
Rose and Swift investigate a bizarre and strange case, The Human Rights Conference is to take place, and its guest speaker, Frenchman Raoul Brissac, is questioned on a charge of smuggling drugs into The UK.
It's a somewhat muddled story, the official description of this episode was a little confusing, and I'm not quite sure it related to what I've just watched.
It is watchable enough, it's just a little odd, I know it's the 1960's, but I just couldn't get my head around it. Interesting the way they mixed up the good and bad guys, but other than that, it was just too odd.
There are some incredibly well known faces here, including John Carson and George Pastell, it really is one of those shows that attracted some real talent.
Didn't quite work for me.
5/10.
Lady Killers: The Root of All Evil (1981)
A quality dramatisation of a well known murder.
The trial of married couple Frederick Henry Seddon and Margaret Seddon, who were accused of murdering their lodger Eliza Barrow by arsenic poisoning.
One of the best of the series, it's a very fine adaptation of a well known, notorious murder.
This show does vary in terms of quality, they're not always particularly exciting dramatisations, and nor should they be, but they can be dull, this one however is rather captivating.
It's a fascinating story to look into, just exactly what Seddon did in terms of Barrow's finances, quite shocking, a study of that will give you more of a motive than is perhaps shown here.
Interesting to see the way they portray Seddon's humble background, his rough around the edges rather, it's an interesting father and son scene.
A standout performance from the late Michael Jayston, excellent as always, several well known faces to look out for here.
The BBC did a one of documentary a few years ago, looking back at the crime, and going over the evidence, worth seeking out.
8/10.
Ghosts: A Christmas Gift (2023)
A tad disappointing.
Mike's mum Betty arrives, but after seven weeks, Alison and Mike are ready to make their own way. Suspicious that there are ghosts in the house, Betty takes matters into her own hands to have the house cleansed.
It's a decent final episode, but after some of the great episodes from Series 5, I felt a little bit underwhelmed by this final episode. Unfortunately it just lacked a little in terms of laughs.
It's been a wonderful show, and I was hoping for it to end on a funny and uplifting note, it's just a little sour, Betty is a real pain in the rear end, and The Ghosts 'doing the right thing,' just didn't feel right somehow.
Delightful scene where Fanny tells Alison exactly how she feels about her, quite lovely.
Should it have ended here, can't say I was happy that it did. What does The BBC have left?
7/10.